Cochrane Council took their time interviewing candidates and is ready to announce that a new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) has been hired.

Dave Devana, is from British Columbia and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role beginning October 10.

Having a background in municipal government for the past 17 years, Devana is looking forward to working with council and town staff.  "I started out as the Chief Financial Officer level, then moved up to Deputy CAO, and then was the Chief Administrative Officer in North Cowichan for seven years. As far as Cochrane's concerned, I know it's a fast growing town. I want to make sure I work with council and work with staff and get to know the community, making sure we are on a sound financial footing moving forward."

Coming from North Cowichan, Devana, shares there are similarities between the two communities. "There are 31,000 people and Cochrane's got around 26,27. It's a beautiful natural environment here, it's a beautiful natural environment there. Everything in North Cowichan was around the Cowichan River which is a heritage river and in Cochrane it is surrounding the Bow, another heritage river. I think there is a lot of similarities, similar sized staff. The big difference between Cochrane and North Cowichan is the pace of growth, it is certainly much higher in Cochrane."

Besides getting a lay of the land, Devana, will spend time getting to know the staff and the newly appointed council he will be working with. Not considering it a challenge to have so much change all at once, rather an opportunity. "I know there's going to be a new council, I am sure they're going to have some different ideas. On moving forward, I know there's concern about the rate of growth, debt levels, and financing of things but I really look at Cochrane as an ideally located place with beautiful river/valley views and to me there is just a lot of opportunity there which is what interested me to come to Cochrane in the first place."

While Devana is well tuned into the current council's priorities, his first task will be to learn what direction new council wants to take. "I will want to determine what the priorities of the new council will be so we can start working on them." Devana will also spend time reviewing Cochrane's finances, especially with such big infrastructure projects, such as the bridge, on the books. 

On a personal note, Devana and his wife look forward to enjoying many of Cochrane's great recreational pastimes like kayaking, hiking, and skiing; but also learning and becoming involved in the community. "We are looking forward to making some new friends and getting involved in community events. I can't wait to come."

The CAO position is the only position that Cochrane Council has authority to hire for.